Guide Steps
Step 1: Scan 3 Tadpole Fragments
9 total in world. Closest: (1) 115-280m ENE of Lifepod in a canyon beside cargo container. (2) 380m ENE at Cicada Wreck Lander Garage, next to Bioreactor. (3) 250m SW in cliff wall Colonist Bunker, on shelf. Also: 420m NNE near Ruby Blackbox, behind Old Habitat 430m NNW, cliffside 160m SSW.
Step 2: Build the Moonpool
5 Titanium. The Moonpool is a base module that houses the Vehicle Fabricator.
Step 3: Craft the Vehicle Fabricator
2 Titanium Ingot + 1 Copper Ingot + 2 Glass. Attach to Moonpool. If it will not place, expand the room with Habitat Builder.
Step 4: Craft the Tadpole
2 Titanium Ingot + 1 Glass + 1 System Chip + 1 Power Cell. Power Cell = 2 Basic Battery + 1 Strong Acid + 1 Salt. System Chip = 1 Wiring Kit + 2 Quartz.
Step 5: Tadpole upgrade modules
Depth Module Mk.I (cave SE of Alien Observatory, guarded by Needler Mango). Scout Ray Chassis (Tadpole Pens Moonpool, speed boost). Engine Efficiency Upgrade (Alien Ruins Research Outpost, 1300m E, turn right). Strike Armor (195-210° from Research Outpost, 190m depth). Cavitation Muffler (75° E from outpost, 370m depth, quieter engine). Photovoltaic Charger (120° from outpost, 120m depth, near Blackbox Iso). Haul Chassis (3 fragments: near Depth Module, E/105° wreck, and acid pool room).
Step 6: Using the Tadpole effectively
Enter/exit with E key. Has built-in oxygen supply. Power Cell drains with use. Build Tadpole Dock (2 Ti Ingot + 1 Silver Ingot + 2 Copper Wire) for auto-recharge. Always carry a spare Power Cell.